Trees are an essential part of our environment, providing us with clean air, shade, and various other benefits.
Trees are also a source of beauty, with their vibrant leaves, flowers, and unique shapes.
Many people are aware of popular trees like oak, maple, and birch, but there are several lesser-known trees that deserve our attention.
This article focuses on fifteen unique trees that start with the letter “U.”
Each of these trees has its distinct features, benefits, and uses.
Whether you are a nature lover, a landscaper, or someone looking to add some variety to your garden, these trees are worth considering.
1. Umbrella Pine (Sciadopitys verticillata)
The Umbrella Pine is an evergreen tree native to Japan. As the name suggests, this tree has a unique umbrella-like shape with dense, dark green needles.
It grows up to 40-50 feet tall and is perfect for landscaping as it requires minimal maintenance.
It is also resistant to pests and diseases, making it an excellent choice for homeowners.
2. Uva Ursi (Arctostaphylos uva-ursi)
The Uva Ursi, also known as Bearberry, is a small evergreen shrub that grows up to 6-12 inches tall.
This plant is native to North America and has beautiful pink or white flowers that bloom in the summer.
The leaves of the Uva Ursi have medicinal properties and are used in herbal remedies.
3. Utah Juniper (Juniperus osteosperma)
The Utah Juniper is a beautiful evergreen tree that grows in the arid regions of the Western United States.
It has a unique, twisted shape and can grow up to 30-40 feet tall.
This tree is drought-tolerant and can survive in harsh conditions, making it an excellent choice for landscaping in arid regions.
4. Ulmus (Ulmus spp.)
The Ulmus, also known as the Elm tree, is a beautiful deciduous tree with a broad canopy.
It is native to Europe, Asia, and North America and can grow up to 100 feet tall.
The Ulmus is a popular tree for landscaping, as it provides excellent shade and has beautiful fall foliage.
5. Ume (Prunus mume)
The Ume, also known as the Japanese Apricot, is a small tree that is native to China and Japan.
It blooms early in the spring and has beautiful pink or white flowers that have a sweet fragrance.
The Ume tree is also popular for its fruit, which is used to make jams, jellies, and pickles.
6. Unicorn Tree (Paulownia tomentosa)
The Unicorn Tree, also known as the Empress Tree or Princess Tree, is a deciduous tree native to China.
It has beautiful lavender flowers that bloom in the spring and large, heart-shaped leaves.
The wood of the Unicorn Tree is also highly valued for its durability and resistance to rot.
7. Umbrella Magnolia (Magnolia tripetala)
The Umbrella Magnolia is a deciduous tree native to the Southeastern United States.
It has large, umbrella-like leaves that can grow up to 30 inches long and 12 inches wide.
The Umbrella Magnolia also has beautiful white flowers that bloom in the summer, making it an excellent choice for landscaping.
8. Umeboshi (Prunus mume)
The Umeboshi is a small tree that is native to China and Japan.
It produces a type of fruit that is often pickled and used in Japanese cuisine.
The Umeboshi tree is also valued for its beautiful flowers, which bloom in early spring.
9. Utah Serviceberry (Amelanchier utahensis)
The Utah Serviceberry is a small deciduous tree that is native to the Western United States.
It has beautiful white flowers that bloom in the spring and edible berries that ripen in the summer.
The Utah Serviceberry is an excellent choice for landscaping, as it is drought-tolerant and can survive in harsh conditions.
10. Ugni (Ugni molinae)
The Ugni, also known as the Chilean Guava, is a small evergreen tree that is native to South America.
It has beautiful white or pink flowers that bloom in the summer and produces small, edible berries that have a sweet and tangy flavor.
The Ugni tree is also popular for its medicinal properties.
11. Ulmus parvifolia (Ulmus parvifolia)
The Ulmus parvifolia, also known as the Chinese Elm, is a deciduous tree that is native to China, Japan, and Korea.
It has a unique, twisted shape and can grow up to 60-70 feet tall.
The Chinese Elm is a popular choice for landscaping, as it is highly adaptable to different soil types and can withstand urban pollution.
12. Upas Tree (Antiaris toxicaria)
The Upas Tree is a large evergreen tree that is native to Southeast Asia.
It produces a poisonous sap that was once used to make poison arrows.
The Upas Tree is also known for its beautiful, glossy leaves and unique shape, making it a popular ornamental tree.
13. Ural False Spirea (Sorbaria sorbifolia)
The Ural False Spirea is a deciduous shrub that is native to Siberia and Japan.
It has beautiful white or pink flowers that bloom in the summer and unique, fern-like foliage.
The Ural False Spirea is an excellent choice for landscaping, as it can grow in both sun and shade and is highly adaptable to different soil types.
14. Urushi Tree (Toxicodendron vernicifluum)
The Urushi Tree is a deciduous tree that is native to Japan, China, and Korea.
It produces a sap that is used to make lacquer, a highly valued material in traditional Japanese and Chinese art.
The Urushi Tree is also known for its beautiful fall foliage, making it a popular choice for landscaping.
15. Ugni blanc (Vitis vinifera ‘Ugni blanc’)
The Ugni blanc is a small deciduous tree that is native to Italy and France. It produces small, sweet grapes that are used to make Cognac, a popular French brandy.
The Ugni blanc tree is also known for its beautiful fall foliage and is an excellent choice for landscaping.
Before You Go
Trees come in many varieties and species. If you’re interested in learning about trees that have names starting with a particular letter, check out our articles on trees by letter.
Our alphabetical tree articles allow you to browse trees starting with any letter you choose.
